Baliles Back Stoney

West End Councilman Jon Baliles has endorsed Levar Stoney's bid for Richmond mayor, according to a release sent from Stoney's campaign.

Baliles dropped out of the mayor's race on Thursday, citing concerns that the crowded field could result in front-runner Joe Morrissey winning the election. In a statement, he asks supporters to cast their ballots for the former secretary of the commonwealth.

"My endorsement of Levar Stoney for mayor comes down to my belief that he best represents the next generation of leadership for our city that will work collaboratively with others to make the best decisions," Baliles said in a statement.

Polls have shown Stoney running third in the field, behind Morrissey and former Venture Richmond executive Jack Berry. Baliles' exit earlier in the week left his portion of the vote up for grabs. In an interview Thursday, Stoney said a Baliles endorsement would be the biggest of the election.

Baliles will campaign with Stoney in the final days of the race, the statement says.